Below is my most recently published letter in the Edmonton Journal (Oct 25/03)

Gayleen Fasenko’s final analysis that “the original Thanksgiving turkey would have been pretty scrawny … I don’t think it would have been much to be thankful for” (Dramatic changes in turkey size, shape, Journal October 12) shows a complete lack of concern for the welfare of animals. While making light of the tom's reproductive ability, the article did nothing to inform the public about the short, painful existence that turkey’s endure before becoming a thanksgiving feast.

Today’s turkeys are bred to have huge breasts. They are so lopsided they cannot mate. The species is propagated by artificial insemination, a process so harsh and cruel it is aptly called “the rape rack” by the industry. Birds run in terror as they are kicked, hit and otherwise subdued in order to be artificially inseminated. These animals are confined in pens and transported to slaughterhouses without food or water, through harsh climates, many perishing en-route due to the severity of these conditions. They are pumped full of antibiotics while confined in unsanitary conditions. This is our proud new Thanksgiving legacy? It’s time to rethink how our meat is produced before it reaches our plate.